NFL Rumors: Top Trade Buzz Surrounding Joe Thomas, Torrey Smith and More

With the Nov. 1 NFL trade deadline approaching, several big names from the league’s bottom-feeders have emerged as potential chips and targets for teams that are hoping to make deep playoff runs.

Although in-season trades are somewhat rare in the NFL, teams like the Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers already have little left to play for, so it isn’t outside the realm of possibility that they could trade one of their franchise guys in favor of acquiring future assets.

As trade chatter and speculation continues to mount, here is a look at some of the top names rumored to be available in possible deals.

Joe Thomas

Browns offensive tackle Joe Thomas has been the subject of trade talks for the past few seasons, and with Cleveland remaining as the NFL’s only winless team, it comes as little surprise that his name is caught up in the rumor mill once again.

According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, a source indicated the Browns are open to trading the nine-time Pro Bowler. The Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks have all shown interest, and the Browns are reportedly asking for a second-round pick in return for the 2007 No. 3 overall selection.

Despite Thomas’ rumor availability, Browns head coach Hue Jackson made it clear Monday that the organization is not looking to move the 31-year-old veteran, per Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com: “We are not going to trade [Thomas]. … [Thomas] has a lot to do with what we are trying to accomplish here in our future. There are a lot of reports, but that is what they are.”

While Jackson was matter of fact in his assertion, the price teams are willing to pay for Thomas could potentially go up as the deadline draws closer and teams get more desperate.

Several quality teams have major offensive line issues. The Vikings are a prime example due to injuries to starting tackles Matt Kalil and Andre Smith. Also, Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson was constantly under fire against the Cardinals, which could conceivably cause them to up the ante.

Thomas has been one of the NFL’s premier left tackles since entering the league, as evidenced by his six career All-Pro selections.

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